Eye Saver is an incandescent bulb. NASA conducted research with other light sources but found the incandescent light bulb is the best light source for this application because it produces the maximum amount of light with less glare. (back to top)

A - Yes. With the cost of electricity going up dramatically, all incandescent lamps that operate for more than three hours a day should be replaced with CFLs. Fortunately, the prices of CFLs have been coming down dramatically. CFLs equipped with electronic ballasts can now be purchased for less than $10.00 in many locations. CFLs are three to four times more efficient than incandescent sources and last many times longer.

As a result of grain boundary etching and the development of porosity due to tungsten evaporation (near the end of life, a cross-section of the filament resembles Swiss cheese) within the filament, the resistance increases during life so the current decreases at constant volts. However, the current decrease is not substantial. Light output over life will depend upon both operating wattage and any bulb blackening caused by tungsten deposits on the bulb wall.

There is no danger in doing this, but you will get light only in the middle one of the three "on" positions.

A compact fluorescent light includes a lamp and a ballast or transformer. The incandescent bulb has no ballast. While compact fluorescent lights have been larger than their incandescent equivalent bulbs, the newest lights are less than one half inch larger than the equivalent 60 watt incandescent bulb. The new spiral compact fluorescent light by ParaLite will fit most fixtures, but it is wise to measure each fixture before ordering.

Regular incandescent lamps produce light by passing an electric current through a filament in a vacuum or gas filled bulb. They provide low initial cost, good color rendition and excellent optical control. Halogen lamps also use a filament; but since it is sealed in a pressurized capsule containing halogen gas , the lamp provides brighter, whiter light and improved energy efficiency.

Compact fluorescent lamps, also known as CFLs, are a type of fluorescent lighting; fluorescent lighting has been around since the 1940s. Tube-shaped “linear fluorescent” lamps have long been popular in business and commercial settings, as well as for household uses such as in garages, kitchens, and recreation rooms. Smaller, compact versions of fluorescent lamps, CFLs, first appeared in the 1980s.

A compact fluorescent bulb lasts up to 10 times longer and uses 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb, while giving off the same amount and quality of light. It does this by using fluorescent technology in a completely new way: by folding up the tubes, improving the light quality, starting flicker-free and attaching the whole works onto a regular screw-base so that fluorescent bulbs can fit where your standard bulbs are now.

The primary difference is in size; compact fluorescent bulbs are made in special shapes (which require special technologies) to fit in standard household light sockets, like table lamps and ceiling fixtures. In addition, most compact fluorescent lamps have an "integral" ballast that is built into the light bulb, whereas most fluorescent tubes require a separate ballast independent of the bulb. Both types offer energy-efficient light.

A compact fluorescent is often used as an alternative to a standard light bulb. Compact fluorescents (also called PL twin-tube CFL twist tube or BIAX lamps) can be used in table lamps wall fixtures and lamp posts. The lamp life is about 10 times longer than a standard light bulb and uses 3 to 4 times less energy to operate. Compact fluorescent lamps have a different base (depending on wattage) to reduce the likelihood of using the incorrect ballast.

Yes, only if the fluorescent light is using a dimmable ballast. Any time a dimmable ballast is used, a compatible dimming switch needs to be installed. The ballast manufacturer can provide a list of compatible switches.

Please refer to our state disposal policies page. In most states, fluorescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs used at home can be disposed of in the same way as regular light bulbs. While all fluorescent bulbs contain a trace amount of mercury, the quantity is so minute that household disposal is not regulated by federal standards (established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).

Lutron does not currently offer any products UL listed for these devices. For fluorescent dimming, use a Lutron electronic fluorescent dimming ballast and a dimmer specifically UL listed for use with that ballast.

Yes, the unit can be used to power resistive loads such as coffee pots, hot plates, blenders, and incandescent and halogen lighting (not fluorescent).

The gases in the Halogen bulb illuminate at a higher temperature, therefore creating more intensity (foot-candles) to desired the location. The Halogen bulb will create a whiter (Kelvin temp), and depending upon the engineering and design of the product, cooler field of illumination.

you can see by the energy savings and longevity of the CFL, anywhere the lamp will fit is a good place to use them. However, the best places for compact fluorescent lights are in frequently used fixtures that are on for at least three hours at a time. Difficult to reach fixtures are also good places to put compact fluorescent lights because you will have to change them less often.

To use a compact fluorescent bulb on a dimmer switch, you must buy a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers (check the package). GE makes a dimming compact fluorescent light bulb (called the Energy Smart Dimming Spirals®) that is specially designed for use with dimming switches. We don't recommend using regular compact fluorescent bulbs with dimming switches, since this can shorten bulb life.

GE does make CFL bulbs for use in 3-way lamps. Check the package for this application. If a regular CFL is use in a 3-way switch, it will work on the middle (medium) setting and it should not damage the bulb. The 3-way switch does not alter the performance of the bulb.